Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Opens for Live Racing

The track held its official opening earlier this month, with speeches, champagne toasts and a tour of the new state-of-the art facility. The $61.5-million Century Mile Entertainment Centre, at 4711 Airport Perimeter Rd., features a race track, gambling areas and a grandstand building.

The company's Century Downs racetrack in north Calgary opened in 2015. Both racetracks will feature Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing throughout the year.

Kent Verlik, chief executive officer of Horse Racing Alberta, said the racing industry contributed almost $300 million to the Alberta economy since 2015.

"Now we've had two race tracks open up since 2016," he said. "We really believe this industry is rejuvenating, and it's exciting to be part of that."

The 89,700-square-foot entertainment center has amenities on three floors.

First floor includes a betting area, 550 slot machines and electronic table games, 14 video lottery terminals, and a restaurant, bar and lounge.

Second floor has indoor and outdoor grandstand seating, three private suites, a betting area, and a bar, buffet and grill.

Third floor has an open patio with views of the racetrack and paddock.

The new facility, the only one-mile track in Canada west of Ontario, has a 1,280-foot homestretch, one of the longest in North America, said Paul Ryneveld, managing director of racing for Century Casinos.

"We can pursue better races and subsequently better horses over the next years for the benefit of horse racing and horse racing fans," Ryneveld said.

Several Quarter Horse stakes are scheduled at Century Mile, including the 300-yard, $40,000-added Alberta Stallion Stakes (R) on July 11.

The track will race some Mondays, as well as Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through August 26. It will host Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing.